Celebrating 120 years of dental education
The promise of mild weather in a place where “cyclones, sunstrokes and blizzards are unknown” was enough to entice 40 hopeful students to Dallas for the inaugural day at State Dental College on Oct. 3, 1905.
Marking its 120th year, what is now Texas A&M University College of Dentistry continues to stay true to its mission, shaping the future of oral health through excellence in education, research and patient care.
In the early 1900s, less than half of all dentists in Texas earned college educations, much less degrees in dentistry. Established as a private, three-year dental school, the first students attended classes on the second and third floor of a grocery store. In 1906, the college graduated the first class of dentists in the state of Texas. The four graduates – one from Texas, two from what is now Oklahoma and one from Japan – completed their first two years of dental education at other colleges.
Today Texas A&M College of Dentistry boasts nearly 600 students enrolled, including those pursuing dental, dental hygiene, graduate and dental specialty degrees. Dr. Lily T. García returned to lead her alma mater in 2022 and has prioritized stability and morale with a people-centered approach, ensuring the college remains a leader in dental education.
“It all comes back to talent, culture and facilities,” Garcia said. “They all play into and off each other.”
Understanding facilities shape first impressions and daily experiences, García initiated a major renovation of the college’s Administration and Education Building. The project — currently underway — focuses on centralizing student services, creating much-needed study spaces and expanding research areas designed for greater collaboration.
Student well-being is also a priority under Dr. García’s leadership. Although stress, anxiety and depression were once considered part of the dental educational journey, they’re now recognized as critical threats to overall well-being.
“We recognize the significance of this,” García said. “It’s essential that we provide support — both in wellness and financial aspects — for our dental and dental hygiene students.”
The college’s new Mental Health and Wellness Committee equips students with resources to manage their mental health. In alignment with university-wide initiatives, an on-site counselor now ensures students have direct, easy access to professional support.
García’s commitment to progress extends beyond students, and she has strengthened the college’s academic and clinical expertise through key leadership hires in Public Health, Clinical Affairs, Academic Affairs and Biomedical Sciences.
“We are enriched by hearing the voices of faculty through a shared governance structure,” García said, emphasizing the importance of faculty involvement in shaping the college’s future.
To ensure long-term success, she is also prioritizing succession planning, fostering mentorship and leadership development to prepare the next generation of educators and administrators.
Garcia has also made addressing oral health care disparities a key priority. The Dr. M.C. Cooper Dental Clinic, the college’s Sealant Program and its collaboration with North Dallas Shared Ministries provide essential dental care to those in need within our own communities, offering treatment at reduced or no cost.
Recently, the dental school signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shear-Kershman Laboratories and Innovative Medtech Inc. to collaborate on transformative health care initiatives in oral care. This partnership aims to develop cutting-edge technologies, enhance education and training, and drive research that improves global patient outcomes.
By fostering such partnerships, the college strengthens its ability to innovate, educate and serve communities in meaningful ways. The 120th anniversary is the perfect time to reflect on the college’s landmark moments, celebrate the ongoing achievements and focus on shaping the future of oral health care.
“Our history demonstrates the strength of our foundation, and with the unwavering support of Texas A&M University, we are well-positioned for the future,” García said. “What is most important is that we continue doing what is right for our students, the university and the people of Texas.”
